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Schempf’s Department Store
George S. Schempf
Schempf Brothers
209-213
East Main Street
____________________________________________
Schempf’s Drug Store
1848 GEORGE SCHEMPF ARRIVAL
In the
spring of 1848, there came Dr. Fischer, John C. Halliger, Hohrmann and Ernst
Achilles together with families, then the first Baptist Fried. Schielemann with
wife, Nottorf, Grossmann and Lorenz Fribert, Wilhelm Wiggenhorn with family,
among whom were his sons Constanz, Alexis, Eugen and August; Adolf Beurhaus and
Adolph Lange, both married, Henry Maldaner, Fritz Herrmann, Chas. M. Ducasse,
Gustav Schnasse, Martin Hopf, George
Schempf and family, Schmidt Toelle, Henry and Louis Mulberger, Carl Roedel,
Georg Koenig, Louis Stallmann, Leonard Meth with wife and several others. Bad roads and "Latin"
farmers: Watertown in 1848
1902,
Building at 209-211 E Main. Founded by
George Schempf.
Image
is prior to 1903 addition of a third floor and later (after 1910, before 1913)
expansion into 213 E Main
Schempf
Bros. department store was the leading
store
in the city from the late 1840s to closing in 1936.
Schempf's
"Big Cash Store" was the local Gimbel’s or Chapman's in earlier
days. With three floors of merchandise
and a grocery department in its large building (later occupied by Kresge’s), it
had a real passenger elevator and an overhead money shuttle service that used
to fascinate youngsters.
The
store was founded in 1855 by George
S. Schempf (married to Wilhelmina "Minna" Koenig ) after his return
from the California gold rush. He
brought in his nephews, Leonard and John, as partners, and they were the
proprietors of the store in its golden age.
The last of the family to run the store were Max Kusel, who had married Amanda Schempf, and Edward L. Schempf, a gifted singer who
often appeared as soloist in choral concerts.
The Schempf store was taken over in 1936.
1854 Transfer
of property from George S. to George F.
Block and lot on which Schempf Building
sits.
1855
Store founded by George S. Schempf (married to Wilhelmina
"Minna" Koenig) after his return from the California gold rush
1892
Weltburger
Ad,
1892
1894
CHRISTMAS: SANTA APPEARS IN WEST WINDOW
1895
03 20 SHOES AT SCHEMPFS
Schempf Bros. are arranging for a shoe
department on the second floor of their store, the necessary shelving, etc.,
being now put in. The stock of L.
Schempf at 112 Main Street has become the firm's property and it will shortly
be removed to the quarters now in preparation.
WR
10 23 CLEVER PRETENSE
That
clever pretense of a big break in the plate glass window at Schempf's Cash
Store has deceived many a passerby the past few days. It is said that upon first noticing it the
police made minute inquiries as to when and how the irregularity occurred. WR
1896 SCHEMPF
BROS. CO. INCORPORATED
02 12 "Chief" the Shetland Pony
Schempfs'
Cash Store has an attraction this week – "Chief," a Shetland pony
with a phenomenally long tail, measuring fifteen feet. The pony is quite a novelty and well worth
seeing. The children are especially
interested. WR
1898 George
S. Schempf, Limb Amputated
11 16 An unfortunate accident befell George
S. Schempf Saturday afternoon on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway,
while he was taking his daily stroll.
Mr. Schempf was walking towards the Junction and it seems stepped from
the main track on to a side track in order to allow a train to pass. But in doing so he only placed himself in the
way of another train a special freight which was moving along the siding slowly
and which he failed to see approaching.
This train struck him and his right leg was caught under the wheels,
severing it just above the ankle. The
accident was witnessed by several men in the yards, who hurried to Mr.
Schempf’s assistance and carried him to the Junction
Hotel. The flow of blood from the
wound was stopped and Drs. Moulding, Whyte and Werner summoned. As soon as practicable Mr. Schempf was taken
to his home at 403 S. Second Street. He
was not unconscious at any time and his system withstood the shock very
well. Late Saturday night the crushed
portion of the limb was amputated and the attending physicians look for a
speedy healing of the wound and Mr. Schempf's ultimate recovery. WR
1900 Five
Hundred Silk Worms at Schempf’s
06 05 Schempf Brothers will have a most
interesting and unique window display this week. A collection of five hundred silk worms has
been secured from Missouri and they will be set to work in a vented enclosure
in the east show window. The insects
will first begin to crawl and hunt for a suitable place in which to spin. Then they will be seen in the act of spinning
and subsequently in the process of finishing up their work. This is the first opportunity most of the
people of Watertown and vicinity will have to watch these industrious little
animals performing their valuable labors and no doubt great interest will be
taken in the attraction. It will afford
a valuable object lesson in the industrial stages of the very important
industry of silk manufacture — an industry which has made France famous. WR
08 22 EDWARD SCHEMPF MANAGES SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Watertown School of Music
will be under the management of Edward Schempf and Wm. S. Mullen, and will
occupy the third floor of the building at 107 and 109 Main St.
1901
1901 Fire Insurance Map, 200 block E Main,
compared to 1909
10 25 ELSA
SCHEMPF PRESIDED OVER PUNCH BOWL
On Tuesday evening the Watertown Lodge of Elks gave an
informal reception at their new club
rooms on Main Street, the affair taking the nature of a house-warming, and
was for members of the lodge and their families only. The rooms were most tastefully decorated for
the event. Luncheon was served at 9:30,
followed by dancing, music being furnished by Hardege’s orchestra. Misses Clara Hoermann and Elsa Schempf presided at the punch
bowl. It was one of the most delightful
informal affairs ever given here, and greatly appreciated by those
present. WG
11 22 EDWARD
AND JOHN SCHEMPF ENTERTAIN
Turner Opera House was well filled with people
Thursday evening of last week to witness the entertainment given by the
Watertown Dramatic Club, and the Amateur Musical Club, assisted in vocal
numbers by Miss Lula Bertram, and Wm. Sproesser. Edw. L. Schempf directed the musical
part of the program in his customary efficient manner. The music furnished was high-class and was
most excellently rendered. The singing of Miss Bertram and Mr. Sproesser was
very much appreciated, both responding to enthusiastic encores. Miss Lydia Pease accompanied the former, and
the latter was accompanied by his wife.
“Mr. Bob,” presented by the Watertown Dramatic Club is
a very funny little comedy and in every detail was perfectly portrayed. Mrs. W.
J. Lee as Patty, was very clever indeed, and came in for a good share of the
applause of the evening. John Chapman,
as Jenkins, with whom Patty was in love, provided a capital actor; and John W. Schempf, as Phillip Rayson, was
placed in so many ludicrous predicaments that he furnished no small amount of
the amusement of the evening. The whole
affair was excellently carried out, and about $135 was realized. WG
1902
Sproesser building, 213 E Main BECAME PART OF
SCHEMPFS BUILDING SOMETIME AFTER 1910
1903 Death
of George S. Schempf,
1828-1903
02 06 Deceased was a native of Hessen, near
Darmstadt, Germany, where he was born May 23, 1828, hence was in his 75th
year. When quite a boy he came to
America and located at Cleveland, Ohio; from there he went to Milwaukee, and in
1846 located in this city and engaged in the general merchandise business. In 1849 he went to California, where he
stayed for nearly two years, and again located in Watertown and opened a
general store with his brother at the site of where Schempf Bros. Co. now
conduct their business, the firm’s name being G. & F. Schempf.
The firm
dissolved partnership after a short time, and the former [George] continued in
the business until about seventeen years ago, when he retired on a well-earned
competency and has since led a retired life.
Cross reference: Chapter on
George Schempf family
10 30 Cloak,
Suit and Fur Dept. will be on New Third Floor
New Cloak, Suit and Fur Dept. will be located
on our New Third Floor as soon as ready – within a few days. It will be the best lighted and best
appointed show room in this part of the state . . . As soon as our new Third
Floor is completed, these goods, together with all other Infant’s Goods will be
found in the infants department on this floor.
11 13 Grand
Opening of Third Floor of Enlarged Schempf Building
The
formal opening of Schempf Bros. third floor, the new addition to their large
dry goods house, will take place on next Saturday, November 14th. It will be the beginning of a week’s sale of
exceptional values in every department of their business. An orchestra has been engaged for the
occasion, and the store will be beautifully decorated for the occasion, and
besides, the display of cloaks, suits, skirts, furs, carpets, rugs, curtains,
draperies and fancy art goods will be the finest ever shown here. Don’t fail to attend this great opening sale. WG
11 20 
Ad of 11 20 1903
11 20 Opening
Attracted Thousands
First Passenger Elevator in Watertown
Last
Saturday Schempf Brothers’ Third Floor opening attracted thousands of people. A
third story has been added to their business block, and has been recently
completed. This is stocked with a large
assortment of cloaks, shirts, waists, furs, carpets, rugs, curtains, draperies
and fancy arts goods, and on Saturday the very large crowd that visited the
opening were highly pleased with what they saw in the line of elegant goods,
and also the arrangement of this large, well-lighted and well-arranged addition
to Schempf Bros. Co. business house. It
was beautifully decorated with palms and greenery, and in the evening eight
Humphrey four-glow gas lamps illuminated the place to perfection. The Apollo Orchestra, stationed on the second
floor furnished music in the afternoon and evening. The elevator just placed in the store was a
great convenience for the visitors on this day, and nearly every visitor took
advantage of it and visited the third floor, it being the first and only
passenger elevator in use in Watertown.
Schempf Bros. Co. is to be congratulated on the success of their
opening, and the people of Watertown and vicinity have every reason to feel
proud of this old and reliable business house.
WG
Get a Flannelette Night Gown at Schempf’s !
1904
05 13 Electric
Cable Cash System
A new
electric cable cash system has just been installed in Schempf’s store whereby
change can be made from any part of the store to the office and returned. It is one of the finest cash systems now in
use and will greatly facilitate business at this popular establishment.
05 20 Opening
of Remodeled Store
(advertisement) We are glad to announce that the formal opening of our remodeled store will occur Saturday, May 28. There have been many delays but the store is
now entirely completed and is conceded one of the best is this state. We’re proud of the store – proud of its
arrangements – proud of the superb stock of merchandise it contains. The opening day will be a memorable one –
including beautiful decorations and orchestra music both afternoon and
evening. Besides, we will begin on that
day a One Week’s Sale which will
include every department in the store.
We will offer such unusual bargains that you can’t afford to stay
away. We expect to make our opening sale
the most important event in the history of the retail trade in Watertown. Arrange to come on the opening day if you
can. You’ll find it interesting and
profitable.
06 03 GRAND OPENING OF SCHEMPF BROS. CO.’S BIG STORE.
Last
Saturday the formal opening of Schempf Bros. Co.’s, remodeled store took place,
at which a one week’s sale was inaugurated. Throughout the entire day the store was
crowded with people, which included very many from the surrounding towns of
Jefferson, Dodge, Columbia and Waukesha counties The people who attended the opening can well
repeat the firm’s own words: “We’re
proud of the store — proud of its arrangements — proud of the superb stock of
merchandise it contains.” The entire three floors of this big store were
most beautifully decorated with greenery and flowers. Conspicuous among the decorations were a
large cluster of American beauty roses and a large floral horseshoe, an
insignia of good luck. An orchestra in a
balcony overlooking the first floor discoursed fine music during the day, which
added greatly to the pleasure of the visitors, and the many bargains offered and
taken advantage of sent each purchaser away rejoicing. The sale continues until Saturday evening,
and as many as possibly can should take advantage of it.
Schempf
Bros. Co.’s store is now one of the largest and best-arranged in the state,
being supplied with a passenger elevator, the latest in cash delivery systems,
and every convenience that makes th« store a popular one to visit. It is well lighted with both natural and
artificial light, and the evening display of electric lights in their store and
show windows the past week was most beautiful.
Their stock is one of the largest and best in the state, and it includes
everything usually found on sale in a department store. Each department is presided over by
experienced accommodating salespeople who delight in waiting on visitors
whether they intend purchasing or not.
Visit the store of Schempf Bros. Co.’s this week if you wish to secure
unusual bargains. WG
advertisement
c.1905
1906
First
floor, 1906
Second
floor
Third
floor / There was also a basement level of this store.
Sale
clerks, ladies department, Ella Knaak, John Goodnetter
1906
1906 Edward
L. Schempf Stabbed on Leonard Schempf farm in Clyman
08 16 Edward L. Schempf lies suffering at his
home at Jones Street, the result of a stabbing affair in the town of Clyman
yesterday afternoon in which he received three ugly wounds, the offender being
a farm laborer by the name of Fred Mundt.
It appears that trouble had been brewing between Mundt and Schempf, both
of whom were working on the Leonard
Schempf farm in the town of Clyman, the owner of the place being the
step-father of the victim of the stabbing affair. It is said that the parties had an
altercation a couple of weeks ago, but finally became reconciled and shook
hands and became friends once more. Just
how the trouble started yesterday, the Leader representative was unable to
learn. It is said that the two men were
engaged in harvest work and were standing on a stack of grain, when Mundt
suddenly pulled a knife and flew at Schempf in a rage and began cutting him. The result was that Schempf received a couple
of bad gashes in the arm and another bad wound in the chest. The latter, it is reported, was not far from
the heart, a spot the offender no doubt attempted to reach. Watertown
Leader
09 11 John W. Schempf Sells Drug Store
It has
been known for several days that there has been a change in the Schempf Drug Company and the Leader has been anxiously awaiting the
time when it could impart the information to its readers, but was requested not
to do so by Mr. John Schempf and the new purchaser of his interest for certain
reasons best known to themselves.
After
a business career here for several years, Mr. Schempf has disposed of his interest
in the business to Mr. W. G. Atwell, who has already assumed charge of the
business. It is with much regret that
Mr. Schempf's many friends learn of his retirement from the business which he
began seven years ago with modest beginnings, till he has worked up an enviable
reputation and an excellent business - in fact a drug store that is a model of
beauty and one that would be a credit to any city much larger than
Watertown. The regrets are more keen
when it is known that Mr. Schempf at no great distant date is to engage in
business elsewhere. Watertown Leader
1906
09 14 John W. Schempf has disposed of his interest in the Schempf Drug Co. to W. G. Atwell, of
Colby, who has already taken charge of the business. Mr. Schempf has been closely confined in his
business for the past seven years and he found that it is necessary for him to
take a vacation for the benefit of his health, and he knew of no better way of
doing so than to dispose of his business and be relieved of all cares. He intends taking a trip to Boston, and
Atlanta, Georgia, and other places in the east and south. He will be absent from the city for about two
months, and at the end of that time may decide to engage in business again, but
outside this city. Our people regret his
move, so far as it taken him out of the business life of this place, for he was
looked up to as one of Watertown's most enterprising and popular young business
men, and all wish him success wherever he may locate. His successor, W. G. Atwell, comes to: our
city well recommended — being a first-class druggist and possessing an
interesting and progressive spirit. Our
people welcome himself and wife to our city, and all trust that they will find
Watertown a pleasant and profitable place to reside. WG
1907
04 25 Meyne Drug Company. A deal was closed last evening, whereby the
Schempf Drug Store was sold to Mr. William H. Mayne of Ely, Minn., that
gentleman to take possession today, the same having been sold by W. G. Atwell
who bought the business a few months ago, but retained the old name . Hereafter the place of business will be
known as the W. H. Meyne Drug Company.
Mr. Atwell will remain in the store about a week when he will go to his
former home, Stevens Point, Wis., where he will remain during the summer and
where he may engage in business . . . Mr. Mayne comes here a stranger, but The Leader ventures to say that he will
soon possess many friends . . . He is an exceptionally pleasant person to meet
and has all of the gentlemanly bearings . . . He is German by birth, a fact
that will add materially in the success of his business. He is a man of family and will soon remove to
Watertown to become a permanent resident.
WL
1908
10 23 Arthur Heide and bride surprised by store
Last
Monday evening the clerks of Schempf Bros. Co. surprised Arthur Heide and bride
at their home in North Warren Street, where all passed a few hours very
pleasantly. WG
1908, Main and Third,
Schempf’s is on the left
1909
02 19 Edward Schempf had singing part in sacred
cantata at St. Paul’s Episcopal WG
04 23 Robbery at store WG
09 10 Ed Schempf
and John Goodnetter returned from New York; selected fall and winter goods WG
07 23 Fire at Store;
Imitation Palm
At about 10:30 o’clock
last Monday evening an alarm of fire was turned in from box 17, corner of Main
and First streets, on account of an imitation palm being on fire in Schempf’s
drug store. Mr. Schempf had only been
away from the store a short time, and being in the vicinity his attention was
called to the fire and he went to the store and with the aid of others he removed
the palm to the street where it was entirely burned. There was no other damage. Had the blaze not been so quickly discovered
a bad fire might have been the result.
It is supposed the fire took place from someone throwing a lighted cigar
stump into the palm. WG
12 18 
1910
209-211 Main
12 30 Aaron
Meade, for ten years past salesman in the white goods department of Schempf
Bros. Co. store, has resigned, his position and on January 2nd will enter the
employ of the J. M. Bostwick Co., Janesville, and will have charge of the white
goods and linen department in their store.
Mr. Meade is one of Watertown's most popular residents, and our people
will regret the departure of himself and wife from our city very much. WG
1911
03 16 Capital Stock Increased. The capital stock of Schempf Bros. Co. store
has been increased from $75,000 to $100,000, making it one of the strongest
financial mercantile establishments in Wisconsin. The firm now does an annual business of over
$250,000 and the business of the firm is increasing from year to year. Over 50 sales people are employed in this
popular store and more sales people are being added from time to time. The officers of the firm are John Schempf,
president; Max G. Kusel, vice president; Edward L. Schempf, secretary
treasurer. WG
06 22 The employees of Schempf Bros. store
enjoyed an outing at Silver Lake last Monday evening, making the trip on the Interurban railway.
WG
1912
MUNSING UNDERWEAR, only the Schempf’s
1913
06 19 Schempf Bros. Enlarging
Added story to
the east end and 20 feet in the rear
Owing to a large increase in their business Schempf
Bros. Co. have increased their capital from $100,000 to $150,000, and are adding another story to the east end of
their building [former Sproesser bldg, 213 E Main] and also adding 20 more feet in the rear [same bldg], which will allow
more room to display the large stock of goods carried by this popular dry goods
firm. WG .
Sponsoring ad in 1913 Orbit
01 09 Schempf Bros. Store
Robbed.
Sometime during Sunday
night thieves entered Schempf Bros. Co. store and stole about $600 worth of
goods. They entered through a rear
second story window, reaching it by means of the fire escape. They searched the entire three floors and
helped themselves to the most valuable articles. At 11 o'clock Sunday night, a member of the
firm visited the store and nothing had been disturbed at that time. Judging from the articles stolen it is
supposed a lady had a hand in the robbery.
Following is a partial
list of the articles taken:
1 lady's near seal coat
(black) size 38, $75; 1 Russian mink coat (brown Marmot) size 38 or 40, $75; 1
natural mink neck scarf, $50; 2 natural mink neck scarfs ($40 each), $80; 1
natural mink neck scarf, $35; 3 skirts, estimate value $5-$6 each, $16.50; 3
dresses, estimate value $12, $36; several corsets and brassieres, $5; 1 man's
size 44 suit, $13.50; 1 man's size 48 raccoon coat, $75; 1 man's dog-lined
(black outside shell) coat, $28.50; 1 suit case, brown leather, $3.75; 1
handbag (man's) brown, $6; 1 telescope suit case, grey, $1; 1 man's fur cap,
size 7 or 8, $6; 1 either black or brown, size 46, man's cardigan jacket, $3; 2
lockets (lady's) $3.50 each, $7; 1 set cuff links, 50c; 1 necklace, about
$1.50; 16 pairs ladies cotton hose at 39c, $6.24; 5 pairs silk hose, $5; 1 pair
silk hose, $3.50; 2 pair silk hose at $2.25, $4.50: 2 pair silk hose at $1.75,
$3.50; 2 pair silk hose at $2.50, $5; 2 pair silk hose at $.75, $1.50; 1 pair
silk hose, $1.75; 4 pair silk hose at 75c, $3.
On Wednesday three men
were arrested on suspicion of being connected with the robbery. They had new fur coats in their possession
and on Monday tried to sell them to Moritz Kramer, agreeing to return on
Wednesday to conclude the sale, and were arrested by Chief of Police Block when
they put in their appearance. One of
them is also suspected of stealing copper wire from the electric road here some
time ago. The coats found in their
possession were not the ones taken from Schempf Bros. Co. They gave their names as George Goff, Chas.
Miller and George Gilman. WG
07 03 Have New Ramblers. Edward L. Schempf and William
Hartig have recently purchased two of the latest model Ramblers. WG
1914
03 26 Saturday evening the 50 employees of Schempf Bros. Co.
left the store and assembled at the home of John Schempf, on Clyman Street, and
had possession of his home upon his arrival, to his great surprise. They met there to congratulate Mr. Schempf on
his 70th birthday anniversary and in honor of the event presented him with a handsome
loving cup, on which was inscribed:
“A token of highest
esteem presented to
Mr. John Schempf by his
employees
on his 70th birthday,
March 22, 1914.”
A fine supper was
served all present and the guests tarried till after 12 o’clock midnight to
make the affair a real birthday greeting.
Mr. Schempf is president of the Schempf Bros. Co. and has been in active
business here for over 50 years. WG
1914 Schempf Drug Co. Sells Out
04 23 Erwin
Bitttner and Max Tetzlaff take
over the old John Schempf drug store.
The
Schempf Drug Co. has disposed of its business interests to Max Tetzlaff, son of
Ex-Alderman Herman Tetzlaff, and Erwin J. Bittner, son of William Bittner. Both young men have been engaged in the drug
business in Racine a number of years and are well qualified to conduct a drug
business. Hosts of friends here wish
them success. John W. Schempf, the
former proprietor of the business, may decide to locate in the west. WG
12 24 Christmas Eve ad of 1914, Watertown
Gazette
1915
Schempf Ad, 1915
1915
01 28 Edward
L. Schempf Purchased Home
Mrs.
Florence McGolrick has disposed of her residence property at the corner of
Sixth and Clyman streets [601 Clyman] to Edward L. Schempf, who has also
purchased of C. H. Jacobi, the lot adjoining the McGolrick property on the
west. The consideration of the McGolrick
sale was $3350. WG
03 25 Robbery
at Schempf Bros. Co. Store
Wednesday
night of last week burglars entered Schempf Bros. Co. store by means of
climbing the fire escape in the rear of the building and then getting down
through the scuttle hole in the roof thereof.
Goods to the value of $150 to $200 were taken, including three suits of
clothes, mittens, neckties, underwear, shirts, stockings, suspenders, cuff
buttons, two grips, a fur coat and a rain coat.
Burned matches were scattered all over the rooms from where they took
the goods, indicating that they piloted themselves in the darkness by lighted
matches.
Thursday
afternoon, William Klatt, Nashota Street, while at play with other boys on the
7th ward dump at the old clay pit between Third Street and River Drive, ran
onto two suitcases and a fur coat, hidden under an old box covered with
straw. The lad notified his parents and
the police were communicated with by phone.
Chief of Police Block went to the scene and on opening the suitcases most
of the things taken from Schempf Bros, were found in them including an old suit
of clothes, one of the suits stolen evidently having been put on the thief who
left the old suit. The thieves were
evidently not professionals, the supposition being that they stole the goods to
replenish their own wardrobes. WG
07 15 “THE BARNUM OF THEM ALL”
Ad makes play
on the Barnum & Bailey circus coming to Watertown on August 18, 1915.
12 11 CHRISTMAS AD commands
page 1 of Weltburger
1916
YOUR STORE
We call this “your store” for the reason that you are at liberty
to come and go as you please, whether for sight-seeing, rest, recreation or
shopping. It is not only a mercantile establishment
to make money but to offer you every convenience in the way of the little
luxuries that will come to you at no cost whatever. Whenever it has been possible for us to
install new fixtures that would help you in your shopping, and make more satisfactory
to you every purchase, we have done so, and in our merchandise we have tried to
give you always a little better value for your money than you expected. As a result, ofttimes our advertisements may
seem to you a little far-fetched, but we want to impress upon you that each and
every item advertised by us is exactly as represented. – Schempf Bros.
1920 SIGNAGE AND FLAG POLE, note
regarding
Believed to be of the winter of 1919-20.
If one
follows the timeline of Schempf images one notices that the early block letter
signage on the outside east wall was apparently converted over to script
sometime between 1910 and 1920. The
script signage/logo is seen in this c.1920 image. The flag would have had special significance
during the years of WWI (1914-1918).
Another flag can be seen on a building in the next (100) block of E
Main.
Most
images seem to have a pole on the top of the Schempf building. Unfortunately, most of the time the top of
the pole is cropped, but I am assuming a flag pole normally graced the top of
Schempfs and certainly would have been nicely seen from both ends of Main
Street. / Ken Riedl
1920 DEATH OF JOHN SCHEMPF
John Schempf
1844 - 1920
ANGEL OF
DEATH CALLS JOHN SCHEMPF
PIONEER
RESIDENT
One of
Watertown’s Foremost Business Men
and
Worthy Citizens
click
to enlarge
WHS
006 965 Undated
John Schempf, b. 1844 , d. 1920
John Schempf, son of George F. Schempf, nephew of George S. Schempf
In
1875 Mr. Schempf formed a partnership with his uncle, George S. Schempf, and
brother,
the late Leonard Schempf, under the firm name of George
S. Schempf & Co.,
which
continued until the retirement of George Schempf, the business
being
conducted by the brothers under the name of Schempf
Bros. Co.,
of
which Mr. Schempf was president at the time of his death.
Cross
reference: Chapter
on John Schempf family
1920 Schempf Bros. Employees, clothing
(garments)
Miss Ruby Elver, John Goodnetter, Miss
Margaret Goodnetter, Miss Ruth Grant, Miss Anna Hoelzel, Miss Martha Hoelzel,
Richard Krueger, Miss Selma Krueger, Henry Kulm, Mrs. Kyle, Miss Mary Link,
Miss Edna Zimmerman.
1920s Schempf Billboard
1921
SCHEMPF FLOAT in Fourth of July Parade
Schempf float in front of Schempf Store
1921 Ads
1924 75th ANNIVERSARY AD
1927
12 03 EDWARD L. SCHEMPF DIRECTED WATERTOWN ELKS CHORUS
The
memory of 38 departed members of the Watertown
Lodge of Elks will be honored at the annual memorial service of the
order. The Watertown Elks chorus, under
the direction of Edward L. Schempf,
will sing and Frank Bramer, violinist, and Mrs. Bramer, pianist, will render
two selections. The ritual will be in
charge of the officers of the lodge, headed by F. W. Koenig, exalted ruler. WDT
1930
07 12 Edward Schempf attended Kading-Nelson Wedding
1936
1936 Centennial Parade
1936 SCHEMPF’S CLOSES
After
its closing the Montgomery Ward and
the S.S. Kresge Companies took over
the building, dividing it in two.
1944
Montgomery
Ward, Kresge’s and Penney’s
1954
1950s,
mid-late MONTGOMERY WARD CLOSES
The
future occupancy of the store building at 209 Main Street, now occupied by the
Montgomery Ward and Company, is still in doubt.
The Montgomery Ward concern made known last Oct. 19 that it would close
its store here on Jan. 15 of this year and plans to that end are now being
carried out. So far no tenant has been
announced for the store, once known as the Schempf Bros. Co. department
store. There have been many rumors
concerning future occupancy of the four story building but all have proved to
be rumors and nothing more. One deal
that was contemplated has not materialized.
Schempf Bros. operated the store for 88 years before it went out of
business in 1936. The doors closed on
May 16 of that year.
Schempf
Bros. Department store, known as “The Big Cash Store”, was the leading store in
the city from the late 1840s to 1936.
After
its closing the Montgomery Ward and
the S.S. Kresge Companies took over
the building, dividing it in two.
1957
Before Kresge’s bought Montgomery Ward (Schempfs) bldg. City Assessor file image, c.1957
08 07 KRESGE’S PURCHASED THE MONTGOMERY WARD
BUILDING
<
Artist’s sketch
Enlargement and alterations to be completed in
September. The remodeled and enlarged Kresge’s will
be more than double its original size.
1967
KRESGE’S
FIRE, 207 E Main
c.1968
’67
Mustang in pic
c1970s
Upper floors of Kresge's. Part of
an architectural display.
1983
KLINE’S
MOVES TO 205-209 E MAIN
1987 photo
Kline’s
opened in Watertown in 1954 and expanded several times before locating at
205-209 E Main in October of 1983.
Kline's moved into the building
now occupied by the S. S. Kresge variety store in early fall. A major renovation project, including a new
front and completely redone interior, is planned. Kline's takes possession of the building at
207 East Main Street July 5 and will continue at its current location until the
renovation is complete.
Its presence was
made known by use of adjacent awnings and display windows.
1993
06 15 KLINES CLOSES AFTER BEING IN WATERTOWN SINCE 1954
2012
04 24 MID-TOWN
SHOOTING RANGE, GUN SHOP, GETS APPROVAL
The Watertown Plan Commission
granted a conditional use permit to allow a retail gun dealership and a
shooting range to open at 209 E. Main St.
The new business would be called Martz’ Muzzlez Range and
Dealership. In the initial phase, the
business is planning on opening the firing range, retail space and a member’s
lounge. The building at 209 E. Main St.
has been vacant since Calico Cottage moved out five years ago. The company also plans on renovating the
second floor to open an education center for gun safety and training classes,
advanced laser ranges for police training and a gunsmith shop. The company will also be purchasing and
renovating 207 E. Main St. and will look to rent the space out to a separate
business. They also plan on renovating
the third floors on both 207 and 209 E. Main streets to rent out as residential
living spaces. WDT
2014
SCHEMPF BUILDING UNDER NEW
OWNERSHIP
07 22 
www.schempfbuilding.com
07 26 A BYGONE ERA TO RETURN
WDTimes
article: This week’s announcement
that the old Schempf Bros. Store building, for nearly a century a retail anchor
store in Watertown, had been sold, is big news indeed.
11 21 
2015
06 26&27 SCHEMPF
BUILDING / MAIN STREET
The Schempf
Building and Main Street history celebrated
06 26 SCHEMPF
BUILDING, formal dedication of as an official WATERTOWN HISTORIC LANDMARK
06 27 SCHEMPF
BUILDING and Main Street HISTORY CELEBRATED
2016
10 20 WORK
BEING DONE ON SCHEMPF BUILDING
Nearly all of its windows will be removed in
the coming weeks. The windows will be
restored and rebuilt off-site under the requirements of preservation guidelines
of the state and National Parks Service.
The restored windows will return in spring and the additional
restoration of the sills and frames will continue. The existing metal cladding will also be
demolished in spring and a new period-appropriate storefront glass system will
be installed.
10 20 CHRISTMAS
STORE IN SCHEMPF BUILDING
[same date] Beginning Oct. 28, the building
will play host to Bethesda Lutheran Communities’ Christmas store which features
a selection of Christmas items at bargain prices including decorations, lights,
ornaments, wreaths and artificial trees.
The temporary store also provides a chance for disabled youths to attain
retail store operation experience. The
storefront windows, which won’t be replaced until spring, will feature
decorations and lights, making the building a festive attraction for the
holiday season.
_________________
Image
Portfolio COMPLETE SET OF
The Big Cash
Store
Now and then
Cross-References:
Schempf’s shopping bag
handle
Nephew John was originally proprietor
of Schempf’s
Rexall Drug Store, interior of store (WI His Soc link)
1909: The singing of the
Apollo Club was directed by Edward
L. Schempf WG
Harry
Huth, druggist apprenticeship in the Schempf drug store.
This photo doesn’t seem to fit the
timeline. Need to check:
Schempf’s General Store, street scene / Image needs to be relabeled; c.1903?
The image, which dates
to 1886 (I believe) most likely shows the original facade. By the 1890s or early 1900s--certainly by
1903, the building front was re-done and then later a third floor was added. You have to begin with a clean slate before
you can "pretty things up." - jannkster2
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin